Are there a variety of vocational programs in your high school, or in a nearby school you have the option to attend?
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JLeslie (
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February 4th, 2010
I really think we need to focus on vocational education more than we do. You have probably seen me rant a little about Head Start and how I think that money would be much better spent in high schools, vocational schools, and/or helping with college expenses. So, I was wondering among the collective if your high schools have vocational programs offered that would help children who will not be going on to college to have a specific skill they can utilize out in the world.
In my school, back when I was in high school, we had classes in Cosmetology (you could take the state test after graduation and get your license) Automechanics (I think they would help set you up with apprenticeships, but I am not very knowledgable about the program) and then we had elective classes in woodworking, and maybe some others I am not aware of.
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Some states have specialized vocational high schools, others do it at the tertiary level (community college level and vo-tech colleges of 2 to 4 years). The system that I went through was entirely college-track and didn’t offer any vocational courses. I actually earned kudos by repairing the Headmasters Beetle, as no one else in the place knew a wrench from a screwdriver.
There is a vocational school right down the street from my highschool. Pickens Tech, has so many different classes, I personally took advantage of some of their programs they offered. I took 6 months of automotive, and one year horticulture. I was glad that these classes were available.
@shego But Pickens Tech is not part of the public high school system, if I understand you correctly? So, you had to pay right? At my high school you basically took the classes like other elective classes, but then you had real skills that were state approved classes, same as if you paid for them on the outside.
In NJ, the County School Districts offer Voc-Tech HS as an alternative to traditional HS. Courses offered include culinary arts, communication arts, marine science, health sciences, business.
In my county, there are 4 magnet high schools that are run by the vocational tech department; a marine sciences one, communications, high tech, and allied health. They are all highly selective. In addition, the regular high schools have elective courses such as shop, television producing and cooking.
@JLeslie I didn’t have to. My high school paid. The way I understood it at the time, was that exceptional students, didn’t have to pay. I don’t my parents took care of that stuff between the two schools. I didn’t ask, because I was happy to get out of the regular schooling enviroment. Maybe I should have. I do know for those students who wanted to go to the local community college, they had to pay by semester, and if they passed, they were reimbursed.
Unfortunately, the school I attended had but one goal, to funnel students into the Ivy League. Everything else was ignored.
I know that the year I graduated, the high school had started several technical programs for the students. They started machine shop welding, and automotive.
@shego oh, if the high school pays then that is the same in my book, you had access without any financial barriers.
@all wow, so far many of you seem to have great options where you live. I’m glad to hear it.
@shego oh, if the high school pays then that is the same in my book, you had access without any financial barriers.
@all wow, so far many of you seem to have great options where you live. I’m glad to hear it.
Yep. I went to our VoTech high school starting in 11th grade. We had numerous options when it came to technical programs.
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